Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden III is going to prove Ben Johnson right

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are all-in on Luther Burden III next season. He will have a bigger role following DJ Moore’s trade to the Buffalo Bills on March 11. The second-year wide receiver will likely play opposite Rome Odunze and become one of Caleb Williams’ most trusted targets.

Burden proved that he belongs in the NFL. The Bears drafted him at No. 39 in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft to add more depth at the position and provide them with a younger wideout. He didn’t disappoint, emerging as a player capable of delivering big plays when needed.

The 22-year-old will look to exceed his production in 2025. He recorded 47 receptions for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games, including five starts. Burden also served as a kickoff returner, producing 223 yards in eight attempts.

Chicago Bears: Luther Burden III wants to repay Ben Johnson’s trust

Burden has been putting in work in OTAs. He wants to live up to expectations, highlighting to reporters on Thursday that he is focused on getting even better.

“I was just here,” Burden said. “Working, working, working. I was just trying to get bigger, faster, stronger, get more familiar with the playbook, make sure I come in comfortable, so I can play faster.”

Johnson recently expressed his lofty expectations for Burden as the young wideout enters Year 2. The Bears coach said he’s “buying Luther Burden stock right now,” adding that Burden is “extremely coachable.”

The Missouri product also said that he looks forward to learning more from his coaches. He is out to repay his coach’s trust in him by proving him right. More importantly, Burden wants to validate his own self-belief.   

“Just prove, you know, that I am who I say I am,” Burden said. “The guy. I’m that guy.

“… I’m just locked in every single day. Come here, ready to work, ready to get better, ready to get coached up, ready to win games.”

Burden is in a position that not many young wide receivers in the NFL have experienced. While the coaching staff and front office may have high expectations of him, his work ethic and willingness to improve will help him achieve his goal. He also showed last season that he can remain healthy and ready when coaches call his name.

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